SPARK is a $100+ million initiative transforming how Brock University approaches energy, infrastructure, and environmental responsibility.
Through an innovative partnership with Enbridge Sustain and the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), SPARK is modernizing Brock’s core systems to significantly reduce carbon emissions, increase efficiency, and create a sustainable future.
By 2028, SPARK will:
- Reduce campus carbon emissions by 83%, exceeding Brock’s 2030 goal of 75% reduction
- Cut energy-use intensity by 60%
- Extend the lifespan of critical infrastructure across campus
- Create long-term operational savings and environmental benefits
FAQ
SPARK is a campus-wide infrastructure renewal initiative designed to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and modernize Brock’s physical systems. SPARK is a platform for collaboration and impact and will create opportunities for knowledge transfer by using the campus as a living lab for teaching and research through case studies, class projects and site visits.
SPARK is delivered through a unique partnership with Enbridge Sustain and the Canada Infrastructure Bank, leveraging the CIB’s Low Carbon Economy Fund and Enbridge’s technical expertise.
By leveraging the Canadian Infrastructure Bank’s low-interest carbon fund, SPARK uses a creative, financially sustainable model. Its long-term savings will fund upgrades and ensure continued reinvestment in Brock’s sustainability priorities.
The improvements include:
- Modernize AHUs in five buildings
- Replace chilled water piping in tunnels
- Upgrade fume hoods in MacKenzie Chown H block
- Modernize the District Energy System to a low-temperature design
- Campus-wide:
- Lighting retrofits
- Removal of pneumatic controls
- Use of AI for building automation system
SPARK directly advances Brock’s strategic priority of Building Sustainable Futures by driving measurable progress toward:
- Achieving an 83% reduction in carbon emissions by 2028, surpassing our original 2030 target.
- Implementing upgrades that will reduce energy use intensity by 60%.
- Securing a STARS Gold Rating by 2030 and positioning Brock among the Top 200 in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
- Expanding our Campus-as-a-Living-Lab initiative to integrate sustainability into research, teaching, and operations.
